Shark Hanlon is one of the most colourful characters within the sport and he’s a pretty shrewd trainer of racehorses. Perhaps best known for taking stable star Hewick into his local pub, he’s a regular raider on British shores. Hanlon is set to send one runner over to Stratford on Monday and his son Paddy will be on board. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
The horse in question is Roxboro River who will take his chance in the 2m6f conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle and he’s likely to open a very tasty price. This six-year-old gelding was pulled up on his last two outings at Galway and Uttoxeter, but perhaps a return to the scene of his last win can spark a revival.
In fact, that course and distance win in July is his sole career win under rules and he defied a mark of 102 on that occasion when going off at a price of 20/1. He is only 3lb higher in the weights now, so if he can manage to put his best foot forward, he doesn’t look too badly treated at all.
Despite the bad weather after Storm Amy across Ireland the Britain in recent days, the ground at Stratford at present reads as good, good to firm in places, which will suit him as his sole victory came on good ground
His latest effort at Uttoxeter can also be excused as it was over fences. Perhaps a return to hurdling is just what the doctor ordered and if you do fancy him, be sure to take an early price.
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